Five local festivals you should not miss

If the cooler weather doesn't tip you off that fall has arrived, a flurry of local festivals planned for every weekend from now through November should.

Thad AngellozCorrespondent

If the cooler weather doesn't tip you off that fall has arrived, a flurry of local festivals planned for every weekend from now through November should.There are many popular local festivals scheduled during the next few weeks. These gatherings will celebrate several of the things we are best known for in south Louisiana, such as food and Cajun music. While everyone has their own individual preference in regards to fall festivals, here's a sampling of five of them The Courier and Daily Comet staff recommends you check out.

Gumbo Festival of ChackbayWhen: Friday through Oct. 14Where: Chackbay Fairgrounds, 326 La. 304.Admission: Free.What to expect: The event features fair rides, an auction, Cajun food, music, dancing and tons of gumbo from the self-proclaimed “Gumbo Capital of Louisiana.” Proceeds benefit the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department.The festival also offers several events like a parade, a 5K run and walk, live auction and cook-off.Musical performers include Blue Eyed Soul Revue, Top Cats, Tet Dur, Van Broussard, Gregg Martinez and The Delta Kings and Don Rich.Information: 633-7789 or www.lagumbofest.com.

Voice of the Wetlands FestivalWhen: Friday through Oct. 14Where: Southdown Plantation, 1208 Museum Drive, HoumaAdmission: FreeWhat to expect: Locals and visitors can enjoy the cultural bounty of Louisiana's wetlands as Houma blues musician Tab Benoit showcases local music, art, food and hospitality in efforts to gain attention and aid for the fragile coast.The fourth annual Race for the Wetlands, which includes certified 5K and 10K courses, is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Saturday.Benoit, supported by a team of local musicians and business leaders, established Voice of the Wetlands in 2004 as a volunteer-based nonprofit aimed at recruiting national help in salvaging Louisiana's coastal landscape.The signature draw for the festival is the music, which features Dash Rip Rock, Louisiana LeRoux, Ernie Vincent, Chubby Carrier, Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars featuring Tab Benoit, Anders Osborne, Cyril Neville, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Waylon Thibodeaux, Johnny Sansone and Johnny Vidacovich and more.Information: Percy Rodriguez 226-5762 or www.voiceofthewetlands.org.

French Food FestivalWhen: Oct. 25-28Where: Larose Civic Center, 307 E. 5th St.Admission: Free.What to expect: The French Food Festival is held annually on the last full weekend in October and features more than 20 specialty dishes from the local area.Dancing and music, along with folklife demonstrations, offer everyone the chance to learn about the Cajun way of life, according to festival organizers.New to this year's festival is a Thursday concert featuring former lead singers Brian Howe of Bad Company and Fran Cosmo of Boston. Tickets cost $20.Other bands set to perform for free include Waylon Thibodeaux, Southern Cross, Halifax, Amanda Shaw and the Hurricane Levee Band.More than just a food festival, the French Food Festival includes music and an old-fashioned carnival midway, complete with games, rides and cotton candy.Information: 693-7355 or www.bayoucivicclub.org.

Grace Lutheran Fall FestWhen: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 27Where: Grace Lutheran Church, 422 Valhi Blvd., HoumaAdmission: Free.What to expect: This is a community outreach event where every dime raised goes to a variety of local charities.Along with delicious food, the festival includes games, children's activities, a silent auction, pony rides, bounce houses, a raffle, bingo, live Christian music and a popular country store full of decorative trinkets and goodies.Another thing people look forward to at the festival is the rummage sale, according to organizers.Information: 879-1865.

ThibodeauxvilleWhen: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Nov. 12Where: Downtown ThibodauxAdmission: Free.What to expect: The annual Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event continues to draw festivalgoers with its strong mix of food, arts and crafts, live music, children's activities, a car show and one of its signature events — a rubber duck race in Bayou Lafourche.The 30th annual Thibodeauxville Fall Festival, one of the city's largest annual celebrations, was named one of the top 20 events to attend in the southeastern United States.The event will feature live music from Dixieland Jazz Band, Good Feelin' Band, Lauren DelHaye and more. Information: 446-1187 or www.thibodeauxville.com.